York Dungeon, Historical entertainment attraction in Clifford Street, England
York Dungeon is an entertainment attraction on Clifford Street that brings historical events to life through live performances by professional actors, special effects, and themed settings. Ten different shows guide visitors through various scenarios from the city's past, each designed as a separate theatrical experience.
This venue opened in 1986 as the second Dungeon location to open after the London site, establishing the format that would define the chain. A major expansion in 2002 added the Gorvik Viking exhibit, which became a centerpiece of the experience.
Actors bring to life encounters with notable figures from York's past, including Guy Fawkes and Dick Turpin, through staged performances that visitors watch up close. These shows allow you to experience history through direct interaction with the performers rather than just reading about it.
It is best to purchase tickets ahead of time online rather than at the door, as the experience takes around 90 minutes from start to finish. The minimum age requirement is five years old, and comfortable walking shoes are recommended since you will move through multiple themed rooms.
A dedicated section focuses on the medieval plague with a recreation of a 16th-century doctor's surgery where actors interact with visitors as patients. This immersive recreation shows how medical care was attempted during a time when disease reshaped daily life.
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